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Sunday, November 08, 2009

Watch Afghanistan Idol!

Afghan Star2008 | Afghanistan/UK | 87min | PG

Under Young ChangeMakers, a program by the National Youth Council, the Singapore Film Society is screening Afghan Star, a documentary on democracy and freedom in Afghanistan in the guise of a popular singing talent competition.

After 30 years of war and Taliban rule, pop Idol has come to Afghanistan. Millions are watching the TV series 'Afghan Star' and voting for their favourite singers by mobile phone. For many, this is their first encounter with democracy. This timely film follows the dramatic stories of four contestants as they risk all to become the nation's favourite singer. But will they attain the freedom they hope for in this vulnerable and traditional nation?

Afghan Star is Havana Marking's first feature documentary, shot over four months in Kabul, Afghanistan. The documentary has won the World Cinema Audience Award and Directing Award at the 2009 Sundance FIlm Festival and the Shell International Best Documentary at Grierson Documentary awards. It is also UK's submission for Best Foreign Language Oscar.

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About Me

I'm a Singapore based film buff and a keen supporter of Singapore films good and bad. I've been writing about Singapore Cinema and Singapore film-related activities since 2005. I am also a contributing writer at movieXclusive.com, TwitchFilm.net, and Sinema.sg.